As a byproduct of the coronavirus, there have been so many quality posts that I have either heard about or seen myself. For example, I wanted to write about Cardi B’s Instagram Live rant where she accurately summed up the lack of testing in this country by repeatedly saying something like ‘how do I know if I have [COVID-19]?’. At this point the coronavirus has touched all of our lives as well as popular culture. Thus, I find these posts from the unlikeliest of sources not only edifying but inescapable.
Nevertheless, I want to take on something a bit more serious involving a graphic posted by the New York Times and printed in the Thursday edition a week ago. The Times posted several maps tracking the Coronavirus, but I found that their heat maps—I don’t know how else to describe them—of the U.S outbreak did a better job of explaining the crisis than a lot of other outlets. Also, our unit on data journalism, I thought how relevant that genre has become in terms of giving information to the American public during this once-in-a-lifetime crisis.
Such maps tracking this outbreak do as well as any story to really show the nation-wide impact that corona virus has had on the country. As importantly, looking at the Time’s corona map also reminds one of the upcoming presidential elections. The way people have shaped the narrative of this crisis has had a profound impact in our politics. Tracking the crisis through the eyes of, say, Joe Biden leaves many unanswered questions (wink, wink).
A crisis of this scale has served as an opportunity for Donald Trump to act as a strong leader simply by leading. Some approval ratings have shown increased popularity of Mr. Trump during this time, but no matter what side one falls on they have to admit that he has not done everything right. I reflect on yesterday’s news that he announced a continuation of social-distancing measures and the like until April 30th after saying how quickly he wanted to reopen America.
To recap, Trump’s continuation of social-distancing and self-quarantine policies of course follows his usual bold bravado. However, everyone knows the charade by now. Seldom have voters had more to voice their opinion on so close to an election.
Some stay away from the news these days citing “mental health” issues, but I have had none such in my experience consuming media during the quarantine. While I see why people can say such things during the current moment, I have found it hard to stomach news for other reasons completely. As a journalist I get over eager. Everything has happened so fast and honestly reporters more than anyone know that humanity has reached a new normal. Social distancing, no more pay walls, you name it, we live in uncharted times.
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